Fun with Footy

Australia, unique in so many ways, has created its own distinctive sport. Its called Aussie Rules Football, or footy for short. As a part of the cultural experience, the study abroad students have the opportunity to go and experience a professional game- Fremantle Dockers (home team!) vs. Geelong Cats.

Footy is played with two teams of eighteen players. The main way to score points is by kicking the rugby-like football through two tall goal posts. You can move the ball up and down the field by kicking, handballing, or running. A major feature of the game is the concept of a mark, where players who catch a ball from a kick are awarded possession.

It was so much fun being at this game, everyone was so hyped because it was the star player of the Dockers’ (Matthew Pavlich) 300^th game, and during the game he scored his 600^th goal. The crowd went crazy when he scored that goal. It was so much fun to cheer and scream along with the die-hard fans.

The first major difference I noticed between the AFL and NFL in America, besides the different sport, is the lack of showiness behind the game. There aren’t announcers, cheerleaders, or any type of half time show. It is a professional sport, yet the atmosphere surrounding it was so laidback, just like most things in Australia. It was refreshing- it leaves the focus on the actual game, and the performance of the athletes.

Besides going and seeing an actual game, we were also given the opportunity to learn and play the game. A group of 12 students signed up for 6 sessions with the local football club. We had an actual coach, had practices and everything. It was so awesome to learn more about the game, and get the opportunity to play it for ourselves. It’s such a fun and competitive sport, and I actually wasn’t half bad J

Margaret River- more than just some water

What every girl needs is a classy weekend getaway with some close friends. In the midst of essays on essays on essays we got the chance to go explore more of the beautiful Western Australia in the Margaret River Region. This area is known for pretty beaches, cool caves and some of the best wineries in the world. The town isn’t very grand, but the quaintness was a breath of fresh air after spending so much time in the city.

The 6 of us girls went on an organized wine tour, Bushtucker Tours, and we were able to taste wines from four different places- Margaret River Winemakers, The Grove, Sandalford, and Knee Deep. It was a great way to see the area, meet some of the locals, and try some wines. 

Margaret River Winemakers

the vineyards of the Grove

Beautiful gazebo at the Grove

 

 

tasting at the Grove

We had lunch at the Grove, where we tried Kangaroo and Crocodile meat. Surprisingly more chewy than expected, but apparently these are common in WA. The host of the Grove was a typical "Aussie Bloke." He was sarcastic, entertaining, loud, and all around Australian, we loved it.

We were able to go visit the Margaret River Cheese Factory and Chocolate Factory- all we ever needed- Cheese, Chocolate and Wine.

We ended our eventful day at the Bootleg Brewery, we enjoyed chips (fries for those who didnt know) and local brews. It gave us a chance to talk with our tour guide Bernard, and some fellow tour partcipants. We talked about the beauty of traveling- experiencing new things and meeting new people- its one of the best gifts the world has to offer.

This was such a great and fun experience, a way to break out of the routine we had found ourselves in the city. Exploring Margaret River was one of my favorite weekend trips.

The actual Margaret River

Groovin' the Moo

One weekend I wont ever forget was one spent listening to stellar music and hanging with some stellar friends. A group of us traveled down to Bunbury for the Groovin’ the Moo Music Festival. It was a day where we let our cares go, and got to enjoy the aussie sun while dancing and singing to our hearts desire.

It was my first real music festival- and I never want to see bands any other way. It was such a great atmosphere; everyone is so happy and full of life. The bands were great, the food was amazing (burgers on burgers on burgers), and the crowds were insane. For us foreigners- it was a great glimpse into the aussie music scene, with many of the bands being native to the land down under. 

the set up

my girls <3

                                

Vance Joy- beautiful aussie folk singer.

Architecture in Helsinki- never had so much fun at a show before! This band is so funky, seemed to be fresh out of the 80's.

Naked and Famous! Sounded perfect live.

Jezabels- Aussie rock royalty

Disclosure- ended the night with a bang. 

GTM was a fantastic time, and it allowed me to experience more of the Australian culture. It was a great day hanging with some awesome friends, bonding over some amazing music. 

Digging in Western Australia

One of my favorite parts of studying abroad was my Archaeology class. Its not offered at University of Portland, so I jumped at the opportunity to take it at Notre Dame. We spent the semester learning the basics of archaeology,  the process of excavation and learning about various discoveries throughout history. It was taught by Dr. Shane Burke, who is one of my favorite teachers I have ever had. He is so knowledgeable and passionate about his subject, and if you have ever taken an academic class, you know how important that is. He made it interesting and relevant, allowing me to fully enjoy and learn about Archaeology. As a part of the class, we took a field trip to Peel Town- an excavation site south of Fremantle. 

Sifter: second step in the excavation process

our site

Shane examining the hearth we found

I felt so legit, excavating a site that was dated to 1830. It was such a great first hand experience, that taught me more of the history of Australia. Peel Town was a British settlement during the time of British Colonization of Australia. We found glass bottles, ceramics, iron nails, bullets, and a hearth, and got a glimpse of how this community lived during this time, adapting to a new environment that is oh so different than England. I loved every minute of getting my hands dirty. Archaeology was definitely my favorite class, and I have Shane to thank for that. 

Esperance: Experiencing More of What Western Australia Has to Offer

Universities in Australia make a week that’s about half way through the semester a “study week,” a week without class where you can catch up on your studies, write papers, prepare presentations, and study for midterms. For us study abroad students, it’s a week that allows us to go and explore more of this amazing country (Don’t worry- we saved a few days at the end of the week for academics). A group of 13 of us braved a 10-hour bus ride and traveled to the South Coast, Esperance. The town was a quaint little place that gave us a warm welcome.

This area of the country is known for its spectacular beaches. We spent the first day lounging at Twilight Beach, and then walked along the coast back to the main town area, about 6 kilometers.

                                      

                                      

We then traveled to Cape La Grand National Park, home to a few of the most spectacular beaches I have ever visited. We camped at Lucky Bay, a beach that is so beautiful, that even kangaroos can’t stay away- yep, that’s right. We saw kangaroos on a beach. They even wandered into our campsite a few times. How much more stereotypical “Aussie” could it be.

We hiked up Frenchman’s peak. It took us 15 minutes to scale 262 meters up. And man, it was steep,

but so worth it. The view from the top was magnificent.

We hiked to Thistle Cove, another amazing beach just right next door to Lucky Bay.

The last few days were relaxing, we spent the days on the beach, soaking up the sun and the views.

Esperance was such a beautiful area, that I never knew existed until learning more about Western Australia. Its not well known to many who aren’t native to WA. It is an area that I would have never been able to experience if I wasn’t living in Fremantle; it’s hard to reach as a regular tourist. This week was such a fun break from the routine we had all found ourselves in, and another memory that makes my semester abroad special.